Teat cup cleaning unit comprising a distribution unit

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a teat cup cleaning unit comprising a distribution unit which has an inlet and at least two outlets for a cleaning liquid. The distribution unit has a calming chamber and a distribution chamber. The calming chamber is connected to the distribution chamber via an opening. The inlet opens into the calming chamber. A cleaning liquid leaves the distribution chamber through the passages leading to the outlets.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/998,462, filed Apr. 22, 2011, which is a national phase applicationunder 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT International Application No.PCT/EP2009/064890, filed Nov. 10, 2009, which claims priority to GermanApplication No. 10 2008 056 543.1 filed Nov. 10, 2008, the disclosuresof which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the invention relates to a teat cup cleaning unitcomprising a distribution unit.

Raw milk is an important food and is an important raw material for thefood industry. In order to protect the consumer and for the purposes oftechnical processibility, milk has to meet both national andinternational quality requirements. In the Federal Republic of Germany,according to § 3 of the Milk Regulations, raw milk must not have anyabnormal sensory features, and therefore, according to Annex 3 of theMilk Regulations, the udder of animals from which milk is obtained as afood has to be cleaned at the start of a milking operation. Cleaning inthis case must be thorough and complete.

It is important to maintain prescribed standards of hygiene in order toensure high quality of the milk. It is therefore not only necessary toclean the udder and the teats of the animal but also the components of amilking system. The cleaning may also include disinfection of thecomponents of the milking system. The cleaning operation may be carriedout by means of a fluid, in particular by means of water, with andwithout cleaning, disinfecting or other additives. In particular, theteat cup cluster must be cleaned of milk residues and disinfected. Theteat cup cluster does not have to be disinfected during each cleaningoperation. The cleaning operation may take place after each milkingoperation or after a certain number of milking operations.

It is known that, after each cow has been milked, the milk cup clusteris cleaned by means of water, a disinfection solution and water againand is optionally dried with compressed air. This involves what isreferred to as intermediate cleaning.

For the purpose of cleaning the teat cup cluster, in particular theindividual teat cups, the teat cups are connected to a teat cup cleaningunit. The teat cup cleaning unit may have holders used to hold the teatcup cluster on the cleaning unit. It is known that the teat cup cleaningunit has a distribution unit. The distribution unit has an inlet and atleast two outlets for a cleaning liquid. The number of outlets dependson the number of teat cups to be cleaned. If, for example, the teat cupcluster used to milk cows is cleaned, four outlets are correspondinglyprovided for a cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid flows through theinlet, the distribution unit and from the latter via the outlets intothe teat cups.

For example, WO 2008/058723 discloses a cleaning system for teat cups,the cleaning system having a holder for receiving at least part of ateat cup, said part containing an opening for the insertion of a teat.The cleaning system furthermore has a fluid dispensing device which isdesigned in such a manner that a first cleaning fluid can pass into theopening from a first fluid source and a second cleaning fluid from afluid source.

Another exemplary embodiment of a teat cup cleaning unit is described inWO 03/077645. Said teat cup cleaning unit is designed in such a mannerthat cleaning fluid is conducted via a line into the teat cup.

WO 03/086054 A1 discloses a teat cup cleaning unit comprising adistribution unit. The distribution unit has an inlet and two outletsfor a cleaning liquid. The inlet is connected to a line through which acleaning agent flows. For this purpose, a formed, tubular part projectsinto the line. An internal thread is provided in the tubular part. Adistributor which is of hollow design and has lateral openings isscrewed into the thread. The lateral openings can be brought to coincidewith openings in the tubular part. By means of the position of theinsert within the tubular part, the entire opening cross section can bechanged, and therefore the quantity of liquid flowing through the inletcan be set.

A further embodiment of a teat cup cleaning unit comprising adistribution unit is disclosed by WO 00/76301. Despite a settingelement, the flow through the distribution unit may be changed.

Another embodiment of a teat cup cleaning unit comprising a distributionunit is disclosed by GB 20 97 891. The distribution unit has a chamberwith an inlet and four outlets. The cleaning liquid passes through theinlet into the chamber and leaves the latter via the four outlets. Theinlet into the chamber is provided with a valve which is formed suchthat a cross section of the inlet can be changed.

A comparable configuration of a teat cup cleaning unit is also disclosedby the document NZ 270 183 A.

A problem of a teat cup cleaning unit comprising a distribution unit isthat a satisfactory result of cleaning all of the teat cups isassociated with a considerable consumption of cleaning agent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Taking this as the starting point, the present invention is based on theobject of developing the known teat cup cleaning unit in such a mannerthat an improved cleaning result is achieved.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a teat cupcleaning unit with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developmentsand refinements of the teat cup cleaning unit are the subject matter ofthe dependent claims.

The teat cup cleaning unit according to the invention comprising adistribution unit which has an inlet and at least two outlets for acleaning liquid is distinguished in that the distribution unit has acalming chamber and a distribution chamber. The calming chamber isconnected to the distribution chamber via an opening. The calmingchamber has an inlet and the distribution chamber has the at least twooutlets.

An improved cleaning result is achieved by this refinement according tothe invention of the teat cup cleaning unit. Owing to the fact that thecleaning liquid flows into the calming chamber and overflows therefrominto the distribution chamber, from where said cleaning liquid leavesvia the outlets of the distribution chamber, an improved flow behaviorof the cleaning liquid is achieved. In particular, the flow is first ofall calmed in the calming chamber and is evened out even further in thedistribution chamber, thus also resulting in a uniform distribution ofthe liquid to the at least two outlets. Owing to the fact that animproved cleaning result is achieved by evening out the flow, it ispossible to reduce the consumption of cleaning liquid, since anequivalent cleaning result is achieved with a lower quantity of cleaningliquid.

A preferred refinement of the teat cup cleaning unit is distinguished inthat the chambers are arranged substantially one above the other. Thisresults in a compact construction of the teat cup cleaning unit.

In order to improve the cleaning result even further, it is proposed,according to another advantageous refinement of the teat cup cleaningunit according to the invention, that the latter is designed in such amanner that the lengths of each flow path of a cleaning liquid from theopening to the particular outlet are substantially identical. Eveningout of the distribution of liquid to the outlets is thereby improvedeven further.

According to an advantageous refinement of the teat cup cleaning unit,it is proposed that the chambers are formed in a preferably two-parthousing. This results in simplified production of the teat cup cleaningunit.

A refinement is particularly preferred, in which the housing is formedsubstantially symmetrically with respect to at least one plane. Such arefinement of the teat cup cleaning unit is advantageous in particularif the housing is at least partially formed from at least one plastic.The housing may be produced as a molded part. The respective housinghalves, which form joints, may be provided with corresponding groovesinto which a seal is inserted such that a liquid-tight connectionbetween the housing halves is achieved.

According to yet another advantageous refinement of the invention, it isproposed that the inlet is provided with a valve. This makes it possibleto adapt the volumetric flow of a cleaning liquid into the teat cupcleaning unit.

A refinement of the teat cup cleaning unit is particularly preferred, inwhich the calming chamber has a wall running obliquely substantiallyopposite the inlet. The obliquely running wall serves as a flow limitfor the cleaning liquid shooting or flowing into the calming chamber. Ifthe cleaning liquid flows through the inlet into the calming chamber, itstrikes against the obliquely running wall. As a result, the liquid flowis calmed.

To calm the liquid flowing into the calming chamber even further, it isproposed, according to yet another advantageous refinement of the teatcup cleaning unit, that the free flow cross section in the calmingchamber decreases from the inlet toward the opening.

According to an advantageous refinement of the teat cup cleaning unit,it is proposed that the opening through which the cleaning liquid passesfrom the calming chamber into the distribution chamber is arranged insuch a manner that said opening is located substantially above the inletwith respect to a horizontal plane. This ensures that above a certainliquid level in the calming chamber, the liquid flows through theopening into the distribution chamber.

After the ending of the cleaning or of a cleaning step in which thecleaning liquid flows through the distribution unit, it is proposed thatthe liquid can flow back out of the distribution unit via the inlet. Forthis purpose, the distribution unit is preferably arranged in such amanner that, in the fitted state of the teat cup cleaning unit, there isa slope from the opening to the inlet and/or from the outlet to theopening.

Said slope can also be achieved by the wall of the distribution chamberor of the calming chamber being appropriately formed.

If the distribution unit is fitted with a slope, the angle ofinstallation is preferably 3°.

Further advantages and details of the teat cup cleaning unit accordingto the invention are explained with reference to a preferred exemplaryembodiment without the subject matter of the invention being restrictedto said specific exemplary embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a left part of a teat cup cleaning unit in a perspectiveview,

FIG. 2 shows the left part of the teat cup cleaning unit in a frontview,

FIG. 3 shows the right part of a teat cup cleaning unit in a perspectiveview,

FIG. 4 shows the front view of the part according to FIG. 3, and

FIG. 5 shows a sealing element in a side view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 3 show a left part 1 and right part 2 of a teat cup cleaningunit in a perspective view. The parts 1 and 2 can be connected to eachother on the end side, thus producing a teat cup cleaning unit. A seal,as illustrated in FIG. 5, can be inserted between the parts, permittingan air-tight connection of the parts 1 and 2. The parts form a commonhousing which is formed substantially symmetrically. The housingconsists of a plastic.

It is apparent from the illustration according to FIG. 1 that aconnecting piece 3 is provided. The connecting piece 3 opens into aninlet 4.

FIGS. 1 and 3 show that the teat cup cleaning unit 4 has outlets 5. Theoutlets 5 are formed by openings which, in the exemplary embodimentillustrated, have internal threads. The internal threads serve forconnection to flow conducting means and optionally holders which may beused to secure teat cups to the teat cup cleaning unit.

The teat cup cleaning unit has a calming chamber 6. The inlet 4 opensinto the calming chamber 6. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, thecalming chamber 6 is tapered.

It is apparent from the illustration according to FIGS. 2 and 4 that thecalming chamber 6 has a wall 10 which is designed such that the flowingliquid flows from the inlet towards the obliquely running wall 10. Thechamber has a region which is adjacent to the inlet 4 and has a constantcross section which merges into a tapering cross section. This isadjoined by yet another, but no longer so severe, reduction in the flowcross section. It is not compulsory for a cross-sectional change in thefree flow cross section to be discontinuous. Refinements are alsopossible in which the flow cross section decreases continuously.

The teat cup cleaning unit has a distribution chamber 7. The calmingchamber 6 and the distribution chamber 7 are connected to each other viaan opening 8. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the dividingplane passes through the opening 8. The opening 8 is formed in a regionof the calming chamber 6 opposite the inlet 4. As is apparent from theillustration in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the opening 8 is located in a regionof the chamber 6 in which said chamber has a relatively small free flowcross section.

The outlets 5 are connected to the distribution chamber 7 via passages9.

A cleaning liquid flows through the inlet 4 into the calming chamber 6.The cleaning liquid flows from the calming chamber 6 via the opening 8into the distribution chamber 7. The cleaning liquid leaves the teat cupcleaning unit via the passages 9 and the outlets 5. The lengths of eachflow path of a cleaning liquid from the opening 8 to the particularoutlet 5 are substantially identical. This permits a uniformdistribution of a cleaning liquid. The calming chamber 6 has the task ofcalming the cleaning liquid flowing into the chamber in order to permita uniform distribution of the cleaning liquid to the outlets 5.

The inlet 4 or the connecting piece 3 can be provided with a valve bymeans of which the flow cross section of the inlet can be changed. Apivotable disk 11 can be provided in the region of the inlet 4. Saiddisk forms a non return valve which prevents air from being sucked intothe rinsing line if there is a vacuum there but a teat cup cluster isnot connected to the teat cup cleaning unit. The inlet or the connectingpiece of the inlet may have a contour which accommodates the valve. Thevalve may be designed as a separate component. Connecting means, bymeans of which the parts 1 and 2 can be connected to each other, are notillustrated. Centering means may also be provided on the parts so as tosimplify installation of the parts.

FIG. 5 illustrates a seal 12 which is arranged between the parts 1 and 2of the distribution unit. The parts 1 and 2 are connected to each otherby connecting means such that an air-tight connection is achieved withthe assistance of the seal 12. The seal 12 has beads 13 which can beintroduced into corresponding grooves of the parts 1, 2.

The seal 12 has a disk 11 which can be deflected. The disk 11 isconnected in an articulated manner to the seal 12 such that the lattercan be deflected into the plane of the drawing or out of the latter.

The refinement according to the invention of the teat cup cleaning unitpermits a cleaning liquid to be evenly distributed to the outlets. Thisimproves the cleaning of the teat cups. A saving of cleaning liquids canoccur.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A teat cup cleaning distribution unit forcleaning a plurality of teat cups, the teat cup cleaning distributionunit comprising: a housing defining: a calming chamber having a calmingchamber inlet, a calming chamber outlet, and an oblique wall that atleast partially defines a calming chamber cross section that is at leastpartially tapered along a longitudinal axis from a larger cross sectionat the calming chamber inlet toward a smaller cross section at thecalming chamber outlet, and the calming chamber inlet and the calmingchamber outlet are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;and a distribution chamber in communication with the calming chamberoutlet and with a plurality of distribution chamber passages, and eachdistribution chamber passage is substantially identical in length and isin fluid communication with a respective distribution chamber outlet,and the calming chamber outlet is substantially perpendicular to eachdistribution chamber passage.
 2. The teat cup cleaning distribution unitof claim 1, wherein flow paths from the calming chamber inlet to each ofthe passages are substantially identical in length.
 3. The teat cupcleaning distribution unit of claim 1, wherein flow paths from thecalming chamber outlet to each of the distribution chamber passages aresubstantially identical in length.
 4. The teat cup cleaning distributionunit of claim 1, wherein the calming chamber is disposed below thedistribution chamber when in use.
 5. The teat cup cleaning distributionunit of claim 1, wherein the calming chamber defines a flow path fromthe calming chamber inlet to the calming chamber outlet, and the calmingchamber inlet is oriented transversely to the flow path.
 6. The teat cupcleaning distribution unit of claim 1, wherein the calming chamber inletis oriented substantially perpendicular to the calming chamber outlet.7. The teat cup cleaning distribution unit of claim 1, wherein theoblique wall at least partially defines a flow path through the calmingchamber.
 8. The teat cup cleaning distribution unit of claim 1, whereina flow path extends between the calming chamber inlet and the calmingchamber outlet, and the calming chamber inlet is oriented substantiallyperpendicular to the flow path and the calming chamber outlet.
 9. Theteat cup cleaning distribution unit of claim 1, and further comprising:a valve disposed in the calming chamber inlet.
 10. The teat cup cleaningdistribution unit of claim 1, wherein the calming chamber cross sectionincludes a constant cross section adjacent to the calming chamber inletthat merges with a tapered cross section.